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College Football: Power-Five Conference, Playoff Predictions

By Andrew Boardwine

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Nov 28, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) rushes in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Ohio State won 42-13. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) rushes in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Ohio State won 42-13. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

Big Ten East

The Big Ten East will ultimately decide the Big Ten Champion.

It is a three-way battle between Ohio State, Michigan, and Michigan State.

Penn State will be much improved with elite running back Saquon Barkley, but the Nittany Lions still will not be able to move ahead of the three teams mentioned above just yet.

Here are some key games to watch within the division that may decide the East.

Key Games:

  • Penn State at Michigan, September 24th
  • Ohio State at Penn State, October 22nd
  • Michigan at Michigan State, October 29th
  • Ohio State at Michigan State, November 19th
  • Michigan at Ohio State, November 26th

Ohio State loses 14 players to the NFL and couldn’t even make the College Football Playoff last year. Urban Meyer is a great recruiter, but I just don’t think the Buckeyes will be able to overcome that many losses on both offense and defense.

At the end of the day, it might come to down to schedule and Michigan has the easiest schedule of almost anyone in the Power-Five.

Although I hate to see the Wolverines and Jim Harbaugh have any kind of success, it looks as if they will be able to win the division. Michigan State may have something to say about it, but the Spartans will have to overcome their own losses to defeat their in-state rival and defend their title.

Division Winner: Michigan

Next: Big Ten West

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